Mills on course for Rio

Daniel Gregory

Former Scarborough Swimming Club man Gareth Mills has his eye fixed on a place at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Mills has recently left Sheffield Swimming Club for a fresh start in Leicester and is reaping the benefits.

Mills, who is working closely with his brother Laurence, smashed his personal bests at a club meet last week and is feeling confident of his chances of a seat on the plane to Rio.

Mills said: “The Commonwealth Games has whetted my appetite for qualifying for Rio, and it’s only two years away now.

“I’m hoping to make the 200m fly at the World Championships in Russia next year and if I make that there’s no reason why I can’t make the Olympic squad too.”

Mills admitted leaving a big club like Sheffield for Leicester was tough, but it was one he needed to make and he’s delighted he did just that.

He added: “I’m feeling great at the moment.

“Working closely with my brother and new coach Alex Dawson is just what I needed.

“I’m in the gym three times a week now with Laurence and Alex has been pushing me on speed work in the pool, so things are looking good.

“I didn’t expect to swim as fast as I did and I shocked Alex too.

“In the 200 freestyle my PB was 1.48.4 and I did 1.46.9, my 200 fly was two minutes and I did 1.57 on that and when I first went to Leicester my 200 medley was 2.06 and I did 2.01, which I’m absolutely delighted with.”